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HOOVER – Hoover leaders shared an update on what Gov. Kay Ivey’s amended safer-at-home order means for the reopening of businesses and certain city facilities.

“We’ve been working very closely with Gov. Ivey and her staff to get our businesses back open safely,” Mayor Frank Brocato said in a video message on Monday, May 11, the day the amended order took effect. “It’s amazing to see the resiliency of Hoover’s businesses. It’s been so encouraging to see the outpouring of support from our citizens for our business community.”

Athletic facilities and gyms may open with restrictions and no locker or shower access.

Salons, barbershops, tattoo parlors and other close-contact service businesses may open with adherence to the social distancing and sanitation guidelines outlined by the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Restaurants and bars may open at 50-percent capacity and while maintaining social distancing guidelines.

Retail stores may open while maintaining 50-percent occupancy capacity, social distancing and sanitation guidelines.

Business owners can check their occupancy by contacting the fire marshal at (205) 444-7606.

“So many business owners are telling me about the incredible backing of our community, and I want to say thank you, Hoover, for that unwavering support,” Brocato said. “Please know that your kindness and generosity has made a difference. Our businesses want to operate in a safe environment, and they want you to feel safe in their respective work and shopping locations.”

In addition to businesses, certain city facilities have reopened this week.

At the Hoover Metropolitan Complex, the Finley Center walking track and Alabama Performance Volleyball reopened.

The walking track is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Alabama Performance Volleyball is open for physical fitness only and by appointment 12-8 p.m.

Hoover Climbing/Adventure at the Finley Center will reopen May 18.

At Hoover neighborhood parks, walking tracks and restrooms opened on May 13, but playground equipment remains closed.

At the Hoover Recreation Center, the game room, nursery, pool, fitness center, track, cardio room, personal training, personal cardio and restrooms reopened May 13.

The center’s hours are 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 1-6 p.m. Sunday.

Municipal court sessions will resume June 2.

As of May 13, the Hoover Public Library was offering digital materials, virtual programs and phone reference services only.

The following are listed in the “no changes” section of the city’s list:

• Child daycare facilities – must have 11 or fewer in a room.
• Educational institutions – no in-person instruction.
• Entertainment venues – remain closed.
• Hoover Senior Center – remains closed, Meals on Wheels continues.
• Hoover Sports Park – All sports facilities remain closed.
• Hospitals/nursing homes – restrictive visitation.

“Essential health guidelines have been established, and we all need to do our part as we move through our daily activities,” Brocato said. “Every small step we take brings us closer to where we’d like to be, but as I’ve said before, it takes all of us working together to get there. I’m confident we can do that.”

For more information and ongoing updates on city facilities, visit the City of Hoover’s Facebook page or Hooveral.org.

Details of the governor’s order also can be found on the city’s website.